Class and Power in Sudan : The Dynamics of Sudanese Politics, 1898–1985

## Preface I owe an immense and abiding debt to the colleagues and students with whom I worked over my eight years at the University of Khartoum (1969-77). My initial inclination was to list the names of as many as I could. Alas, the list would continue for pages, and I would probably cause offence by omitting some. I must, therefore, simply extend a generalised expression of gratitude to the academic community in the University of Khartoum, from which I learned so much. The memory of the high level of intellectual integrity found among colleagues and students in the Faculty of Economic and Social Studies, and in the Institute of African and Asian Studies, remains with me. Outside of the University of Khartoum also, many individuals gave me assistance with ideas, information and advice. The warmth, hospitality and candour of the Sudanese people provided the most favourable setting within which one could hope to pursue research. My wife, to whom this book is dedicated, deserves my apologies for the obsessive single-mindedness which has been required to complete this work, as also do my three effervescent daughters, Sally, Kathleen and Rebecca. Their support is much appreciated. The typing of the manuscript was expertly undertaken by Mrs Susan Ridler, and useful secretarial assistance was provided by Mrs Fay Burgoyne. Their professional expertise and good humour never failed. Acknowledgement is due to MERIP Reports for permission to reproduce the map in Figure 1.1, and to African Affairs and The Arab Researcher for permission to reprint material by the writer originally published in those two journals, and to Professor Mohamed Orner Beshir for permission to reproduce three tables which appear in his book Educational Development in the Sudan 1898-1956. The spelling of Sudanese place-names and tribe-names follows that given in the Index Gazetteer of the AngltrEgyptian Sudan (1931), which follows customary usage. For other Arabic names and words, however, a separate system of transliteration has been employed. My greatest hope is that this book may help to spread understanding of a country which, and a people who, truly merit understanding. Front Matter....Pages i-xx The Development of the Economy up to 1930....Pages 1-21 Economic Developments 1930–56....Pages 22-48 Social Forces under the Condominium....Pages 49-106 Social Movements, Regional Movements and Administrative Organisation, 1898–1956....Pages 107-159 Sudanese Nationalism and the Attainment of Independence....Pages 160-203 The Dynamics of Post-independence Politics, 1956–69....Pages 204-232 Politics and Economy under the Nimairi Regime, 1969–85....Pages 233-289 Epilogue....Pages 290-292 Back Matter....Pages 293-370